Finding things to do with a baby can be difficult and costly so I have decided to share with you the places that we’ve found to be the most accommodating for families and more specifically babies (on a budget). Today our focus is on Brockholes Nature Reserve.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston
Brockholes is situated just off the M6 (junction 31) near Preston so in easy reach of people living in Warrington, Liverpool, Manchester and of course the city of Preston. I was lucky enough to be invited there by my good friend who volunteers on the site and I was impressed by how well suited it was for young families.
Now the weather is improving it’s more important than ever to get your babies out in the fresh air as they are sadly part of the indoor generation and need all the encouragement they can get. My daughter clearly enjoyed the breeze blowing through her hair and all the new things to look at as well as being trundled around for a couple of hours.
If you are working to a budget- Brockholes charges just £5 for the whole day parking, which if you pack your own food and drink is a very reasonable day out for a family of three or more. I was greeted by a hare as I pulled into the road leading to the car park- so keep a look out for wildlife as you are approaching as well as when you get into the reserve itself.
The site also has a café, so if your budget will stretch to lunch or something to refresh you- I can highly recommend finding a window seat on the floating village to watch the birds on the water as you eat and/or drink. The café was filled with families with young babies when we went and there were plenty of high chairs to go around as well as the view to keep your baby occupied.
We took a walk around pit one after filling our bellies, which is largely on the flat with a few little inclines that prams can easily handle. The walk takes you through open terrain, past some of the site’s prised wildlife like the cows and deer, then through woodland. The path is close to the water which is ideal for the keen bird watchers. If you are so inclined, the site has many birds to see like herons, swans, buzzards, lapwings, great crested grebes, tufted ducks, cormorants, redshanks and shovelers, all of which make for beautiful photographs if you want to capture some memories of your day out.
At just over a mile, the circuit certainly allows you time to blow the cobwebs away and get your heart racing which can be a godsend for new mums if you have been cooped up in the house tending to the endless baby duties. I am by no means fit, so its gentle enough for mums who don’t do a lot of exercise but also new mums who are still healing from childbirth or surgery. The walk doesn’t push your body too much if you aren’t ready to get back into strenuous exercise.
Although the site is adjacent to the motorway- the sound the from the passing cars is oddly quite soothing and the trees that outline the reserve disguise the hustle and bustle of the commuters beyond.
The wildlife is clearly very comfortable with the setting- in fact we saw a deer sitting right by the fence line which was just a few feet from the motorway. The animals and birds have clearly adjusted to the blend of the urban and rural landscape and aren’t fazed by the busy city that lies beyond or the constant hum of the traffic.
There are bird hides situated at regular intervals throughout the circuit so you can take a break and watch the activity outside on the lake. For mums you can use it as a chance to give your baby a break from the pram or give them a quick drink or snack if they need it.
For those babies who love (or indeed need) their sleep, the walk could be the opportunity for your little one to catch forty winks before heading back to the floating village. This central point boasts a gift shop where you can pick up a memento for your child and visitor’s centre to learn more about the site as well as the aforementioned café. If your baby needs a quick change there is ample room in the baby changing area for your pram, baby and an extra pair of hands if you need it.
Overall, I was really impressed with the Brockholes Nature Reserve and its suitability for new parents with babies. In fact, I intend to go back there with my husband very soon so we can take another stroll in the outdoors if the weather stays kind!
For more baby days out features on Female First click HERE